Benfica move into Final Four of Taca da Liga

Benfica came into their final group game of the Taca da Liga, coming off a 1-0 nail biting victory over Braga on the weekend. The Lisbon club came ready to host AVS (formerly Aves) with a goal of advancing into the Final Four of the Taca da Liga after missing out last season.

AVS opened the scoring, putting a scare into Benfica and the crowd, but Angel di Maria, Joao Mario, Tiago Gouveia, and an own goal saw the home side capture the victory easily (4-1) when the night was said and done. Benfica will now take on Estoril in one semi-final for a place in the Final, which is set for January 27, 2024, at the Estadio Municipal de Leiria.

On a scary note, a fan was stabbed during the game. Police and firefighters were quick to respond, and the man was taken to the hospital, where it is reported in Portugal that he is currently in stable condition.

Benfica draw Toulouse in Europa League playoff

Benfica found out their opponents earlier today when they were drawn against French club Toulouse for their Europa League playoff which will take place in a two leg affair in February on the 15th and 22nd. Benfica will host the first leg at their famous Estadio da Luz before traveling to France for the second leg.

Toulouse finished runner up in their Europa League group, one point behind group winners Liverpool, earning a victory over the English club at home during match day four. Toulouse's Ligue 1 season has been rather disappointing with the club currently sitting 15th in the league standings with just two wins on the season which is one less then they got in the Europa League.

The winner of this clash will move into the Europa League round of 16 were they will face one of the eight group winners that have a bye for this upcoming round.

San Lorenzo eyed right back signs new contract

San Lorenzo's 19 year old right back Agustin Giay has signed a new contract until 2026 with his Argentinian club with the main kicker being an increase to his buy out clause which now stands at around €18M. The move was made to protect San Lorenzo's asset who is wanted by a host of European club's which include Lisbon side Benfica.

Benfica may find the cost to land Giay to be in the higher end range then the club would like to pay and moved towards a more affordable option in Boavista right back Pedro Malheiro. This is not to say that Benfica have given up on Giay but more so that they want to negotiate a lower price tag for the services of the Argentinian U20 captain.